Medical marijuana bill hurdles Senate panel
By John Victor D. Ordoñez, Reporter
A SENATE bill that seeks to allow the use of cannabis or marijuana as medicine for a number of chronic diseases has been approved by the Chamber’s committees on health, public order, and finance.
Under the committee report of Senate Bill No. 2573 filed on Feb. 26, written by Senator Ferdinand “Robin” C. Padilla, a Philippine Medical Cannabis Authority (PMCA) would be created to oversee and regulate the use of medical marijuana.
The body would be assisted by the country’s medical cannabis advisory committee.
“The state shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them,” read a portion of the bill.
“The state shall legalize and regulate the medical use of cannabis which has been confirmed to have beneficial and therapeutic uses for known debilitating medical conditions,” it added.
The House dangerous drugs and health committees on Feb. 7 approved a similar bill that would allow the drug’s use for medical reasons without removing it from the country’s list of illegal drugs.
The PMCA would be tasked to craft a comprehensive cannabis medicalization plan and maintain a database to track cannabis sales.
It will also be tasked to issue marijuana and cannabis licenses to private individuals and the government to engage in the medical cannabis industry.
Under the Senate measure, a prescription for medical marijuana would only last a year and may be revoked if used for other purposes.
